Aim has both at similar pricing, which one should I buy?

On a relative basis, the AK is a better deal. The 2001 and later guns have solved the sighting probllems reported on earlier guns, and if you have the trigger slap problem you can fix it with a dremel or an $80 sdjustable fire control group from Red Start Arms.

The current CETME's are a complete crapshoot. They ran out of the new, unissued parts sets around serial# 4000. The current guns are assembled from used parts with a wide variety of actual use, from newish to beat to death.

For the ~$300, buy the SAR-1.

i'd vote for the cetme. If you get one that works it's a MUCH better weapon imho.

mike

"trigger slap problem"? I don't think I'm familiar with that. Please elaborate.
Thanks

From blackrifle.gunsnet.net/triggerslap.htm

"Trigger slap or snap happens when the bolt carrier comes back under recoil and as it is cocking the hammer the hammer hits the disconnector. The disconnector rotates and that extra material(see pics below) in the US part hits the trigger making it smack your finger.   I don't think this is entirely due to the "wing" that comes of the back of the disconnector, but bad trigger geometry used in these parts.   If you have put a hundred rounds through your SAR, you can look at the trigger and see where the disconnector hits.  In any case, the problem is fairly simple to correct.  I will say that it may not solve the problem in all cases.  I have shot many AK-47's over the years.   Pre-ban as well as post ban and trigger slap is in no way unique to Romanian SAR rifles."

That link has directions on how to dremel your problem away, too.

I've got a low #2000 Cetme,S.S. receiver and it was like brand new.I love mine BUT with the current crop out there I would not buy sight unseen as I did.If you get a good cetme you'll have a true battle rifle that will eat anything.

I can't advise you much on the AK,but with both I'd pay a little more and buy one of these at a gunshow so you can inspect before you buy.

Now that I've fired my new CETME I can give you my opinion.  I've owned a Romanian AK and now a CETME.  The CETME is hands down a better gun and more fun to shoot.  There is just something about slinging .308 as fast as you can pull the trigger.  My CETME is extremely accurate, the AK was not at all accurate.  The CETME and the AK have about the same recoil, believe it or not.  I would definitely suggest the CETME after my experience.

If you do decide to get the CETME be sure that you buy it in person so that you can inspect it first, as others said, some of them are alright and some of them are crap.

I recently bought one of the $299 CETME's, I had heard there was some quality issues with some of them.  Some had what looked like dark bores, but it was actually the finish drifting into the barrel.  Also some had problems such as loose screws, stripped threads and such, but I figured for the price I'd take a chance.  Maybe I got lucky, mine had a beautiful bore and the assembly was fine.  The wood was a bit rough from storage dings and such, but not a problem at the price.  Magazine fit was very tight, perhaps too tight for quick changes, but with a bit of fitting could be loosened up. Accuracy was much better than most AKs, I say most because I'm partial to mt Polytech National Match 20" Heavy Barrel.  The trigger pull was pretty rough, but again, can be adjusted.  Myself, I'd go with the CETME and figure on doing some fine tuning to it.